CHAPTER 25
"Why can’'t you just tell him how you feel already? I'm tired of the same old song, you know. Are you afraid that he may not feel the same way?" I cock my head to face Sam,
Well, what can I lose from a simple question?
"Maybe," she answers with a heavy sigh. "I've never been rejected before, and I always get all the attention I need. But for the first time I'm scared to be a loser; I'm afraid that he—" She suddenly gives me a suspicious look. "Wait, why should I tell you about it while you refuse to tell me about your secret affairs?"
Secret affair? I almost hit the brakes.
"What do you mean?" I woman-up and ask, my heart racing.
"You keep exchanging glances with Malik, and when I ask, you keep denying," she starts the same speech, and I'm kind of relieved either way. "If it's not the secret romance, then there's something you two are hiding from us; I wasn't born yesterday."
Well . . .
"Suppose you're right," I say, and she stares intently at me as I keep my eyes on the road. "Let's say I do like someone, but that person is not Malik." I glance fleetingly at her.
"And . . . who would that person be, if it's not Malik?" she asks, curious, and my throat turns dry instantly.
Mustering the most reserved courage I have, I ask Sam, "What if it's Liam?" My eyes are bold and determined. "What if the guy I like is the same one you like?"
Unsettling silence takes a reign, our eyes fixed on one another. My heart beats at the speed of a rocket, wondering what I'm doing with my crazed life. But it's the truth, right? My subconscious is nowhere to be found.
Why isn't Sam saying anything? I can't help but worry over this intense atmosphere blanketing us. It's unnerving. And suddenly, she bursts out laughing, hysterically, forcing a small frown on my face.
Is she going wacko?
"That's pretty funny!" She keeps laughing. "You? Liking Liam? Seriously, Kira?" Her voice is wrapped with utter disbelief.
"Yes. Is it impossible?" I ask, not sure how exactly I sound.
"Totally," says Sam, and I just hold my tongue. "I mean, I don't think Liam is your type, Kira . . . let's face it." She's amused.
What does she mean by that?
"And may I know why?" I ask incredulously, my eyes wider in stun. "Or rather, who is my type?" I fail to hold the feel of offense I find in her remark.
"I don't know, Kira. I'd say someone like Malik, whom you get along so perfectly, but then he's also a playboy; he'll just play with your feelings. Maybe you deserve someone sweet and saint," she says. "Someone who won't give you a headache. But Liam, he's like . . . I don't know. He's just not for you. And Malik, he's so used to date worldly women so it'll be disastrous."
"Oh?" I'm unsure of what I'm feeling after hearing this. "So, men like Liam and Malik are not my level. Is that what you mean?"
I'm hurt.
"Well, something like that," Sam says, shrugging. "Kira, you've never seriously dated anyone before. If you begin a relationship, then it should be with someone who'll be a sweetheart and not some egocentric dude who knows so perfectly that he's great."
And that egocentric dude is Liam? I don't really like the sound of this, for he's not like that.
"Okay, I heard you." I smile, swallowing my displeasure. "And what if we happen to fall for the same guy?" I ask casually, my eyes back on the road.
"Why the fuck would you ask something like that?" Sam deadpans.
"Out of curiosity?" I remark coolly, shrugging. "Perhaps I'm trying to write a story about love and friendship."
"We're both going to give up on him," Sam answers right away, giving no room for thinking twice. "We're friends, right? No guy should come between us."
I wish it's as easy as saying it.
"Even if that guy loves you instead of me? Are you absolutely capable of giving up on him?" I ask, and she frowns, but I don't give up. "Suppose it's Liam, the man you love. Will you pack your bags and leave, just because I also happen to love him?"
"Kira, stop the nonsense! That's not even funny," she says sternly.
I know it's not, and I wish it was nothing but one of my nightmares.
"I'm sorry, I was just asking," I utter with a smile, my question answered with her reaction alone. "I guess you're right, friendship comes first. There are plenty of men out there, right?"
But will there be another one like him? I just shut up and drive.
It's finally time to swim in the Atlantic. The sun is shining so bright, and the sound of the ocean breeze makes my heart aflutter. I miss Los Angeles and our Venice beach that's like a ladies-free night club.
"Are you ready, Kira Jones?" Sam shouts from behind me as we walk. "I know this is your scene, baby, but why the long face?"
I smile sullenly. "Can't I take in the details first? Let me enjoy the scent of the ocean for a while; I'll catch up with you."
"Oh, professor! So poetic." Malik appears out of nowhere. "I hope you're not going to swim like that, because you are going to break my heart." He walks away with a bashful smile. That's Malik.
The warm sand feels great against my bare feet. I immediately feel at home at the sound of the waves crashing each other without rage, as though inviting me to be the guest of honor.
At the corner of my eye I see Sam laughing by Malik's side, and without a doubt the Arab must've cracked one of his humorous jokes that's impossible not to laugh for. I click one photo of them without their knowledge.
Feeling ecstatic, I keep walking solo, checking my camera with a big smile. Oh, I love beaches! However, I think I'm forgetting someone, my subconscious reminds me with pleasure.
Yes, Mr. Intense.
Turning around, out of pure curiosity, I find Liam playing football with some kids. Wow! He's so serene and carefree right now that I enjoy devouring him with my eyes wide-open.
I never thought he has other hobbies apart from books and staying grumpy, but apparently he does know how to kick the ball. For the first time I snap a perfect picture of him.
He laughs heartily after being outmaneuvered by this dark-skinned boy among the other four. Immediately I forget everything else around me and focus solely on this scene, without forgetting the indiscreet grin on my face.
I could stare at him all day long.
I'm so immersed in the moment. I hardly notice that Liam is also staring at me. Blushing, I decide to continue walking after turning as red as a tomato from his smile alone.
Surprising, Mr. Intense hurries over to keep up my pace before asking, "Are you okay?"
He's still smiling bright.
"Yeah," I reply.
"Did you get enough pictures?" he asks again, and I know it's a mockery. "Why? Are you afraid I may charge you for using my perfect body as the subject of your interest?"
"What?" I burst out laughing. "You're so full of yourself, Mr. Darcy."
"I'm not sure about that." Liam laughs along. "I hope you keep my picture well."
"I will," I tell him, and we go silent for a while, meditating the surrounding. "I didn't know you play soccer . . . or football, as you call it," I strike a new conversation while we trail the others.
"You still don't know a lot about me, Ms. Jones." Liam throws me a playfully smile.
"Oh really, now?" I huff delightedly, and Liam shakes his head to the sides.
"But I'll be very glad to show you more." He wriggles his eyebrow, and I get thrown off at the sight.
Is he possessed? So playful.
"Sure, I'll be happy to see more of you, Mr. Darcy," I tell him, and he's no idea how much I'm dying to do that.
His smile broadens, but doesn't escalate the topic, which is good. I'm afraid if I dig deeper I may end up mouthful.
"Are you enjoying the beach?" he asks, his voice calm.
"Pretty much, you?" I gaze up at him, and he down at me.
"Looks okay," he quips.
I arch my brows. Just okay? I don't think he's excited at all, and I wonder what he really likes about his idea of having fun.
"You don't like beaches, do you?" I take my chances.
"I just don't have time for this." Liam smiles, but seems to really mean it.
"Oh come on, Liam! It's just once in a while, and you're on a vacation for Christ's sake!" I practically sound reproachful, and he seems amused. "You should seriously loosen up a bit, like what your mother said, work can wait sometimes."
"Liam, huh?" He looks down at me, and I gawp. "I love it, Kira." He gives me his best smile.
I've so forgotten about our infamous honorifics. I blush profusely.
"I mean, Mr. Darcy." I tease, and we both laugh. God, I love talking to him. "So you're not really happy being here, in the middle of this tropical paradise?" Our hands are constantly colliding, sending me a light shiver as our fingers graze.
"I'm only here because of you, Kira," he says.
"Huh?" I utter, startled enough to flush crimson.
"Only you, Ms. Jones," he adds, and his eyes plunge deeply into mine.
God knows what this man does to me. He always knows where to press so as to break down my walls. I stand still, when he slowly walks past me to join the others. I absently follow suit, with my face on fire from that simple remark of his.
We all stop around a huge umbrella with several adjustable chairs. Everything looks perfect, and I wonder who made this accommodation to begin with. And my question is immediately getting its answer as the person in charge finally shows up.
Jamal marches from the other side in a company of this gorgeous blonde with short, glamorous hairstyle. He must've been here before us, and evidently the one prepared this beach day, because we even have a small cooler with drinks, and clean towels.
Sam is asking Malik to help her applying some cream on her back, and I'm just standing idly watching everyone into action.
Jamal finally gets under the umbrella and gives Liam something like a receipt or a note. They exchange a little talk, in a serious manner, and I only manage to hear the last of it when I put my stuff down.
"I got it," Jamal says. "It'll be ready in a day or two."
"Thanks," Liam responds gratefully.
And it's now that I get to watch the blonde in a close-up. Well, she is indeed gorgeous. Her plump breasts swell rightly beneath the fabric of her white bikini top, and they are quite exquisite.
I wonder if they're natural or silicone, but for sure she's the type you'd want to keep away from your man. And she seems to know that. Liam looks at her once, but never twice. He doesn't seem affected at all.
That's our cowboy! My subconscious cheers.
The blonde smiles tenderly at me, and I respond similarly. She has a piercing on her bellybutton that makes her way sexier than she already is. Despite being occupied, Sam catches my glance and we share the usual knowing look.
I'm sure she's thinking what I'm thinking.
"Everything okay over there?" Malik snaps, his hands still playing masseuse on Sam's back.
"Yeah, all set," Jamal answers and in a few moment he disappears with his lady.
Sam peels off her sarong and runs for the water. I pretend to fix something on my camera, because I don't know how to strip in front of Liam, now that he's just a step from me.
"You coming, Kiki?" Sam calls.
"Yeah, just a minute." I dismiss her.
"Professor, hurry up," Malik adds. "You wanted the beach, remember?" He winks in a provoking way, knowing exactly what I'm thinking and feeling right now.
He's like Loki of Asgard. Full of mischief, damn it!
"Yes, sir, I remember." I roll my eyes, and he simply laughs while undressing his polo shirt, revealing his average bare chest.
Both Malik and Sam jump into the ocean, and I can only imagine how it feels to be in that holy water. Suddenly, a familiar voice startles me from behind that I nearly jump.
"Aren't you going?" Liam asks suddenly, his blue eyes full of mockery as though he knows my worry well enough.
"I am," I reply.
He only raises one eyebrow, challenging my statement. Sitting on the chair, he reclines back comfortably with both hands crossed behind his head.
With a sly look towards him, I whip off my top. His gaze stays firm on my upper body, a foreign gleam in his eyes. Yes, two can play this game, sweetheart! I smile. Bending slowly, I pull my shorts down my thighs. He sucks in a sharp breath, his lips curled into a sultry smile.
I'm remained with a pair of triple-stringed bikini, a fine green apple that fits on my honey-colored skin perfectly. I can feel Liam's gaze even when I'm not looking. Oh my! Well, enjoy the sight, Mr. Darcy! I lie my clothes down and turn around towards the ocean.
"Aren't you forgetting something, Ms. Jones?" Liam tells me as I'm about to go. I whirl towards him, biting my lower lip, and he's holding the sunscreen.
"Oh, right," I utter.
Unless I want to become a toast, I've got to apply some. I'm planning to stroll around. With Liam so playfully today, it gives me a difficult time composing myself.
Where is that cold guy I met a week ago again?
Maybe we've forgotten him in Yellowstone.
I start applying the cream, without revealing how uncomfortable he makes me feel at the moment. I never had time to feel insecure about my body before, but not today.
Liam marches behind me, without my knowledge, and starts taking charge of my back. As always, my body stiffens at his touch, and my breathing turns raspy at the nibbling of his fingers.
"Relax, baby, it's not a big deal," he sensually whispers in my ear.
"I didn't say anything, did I?" I moan softly, soundlessly, as he drops his touch about my waist. "Baby?" I smile, my eyes clammed.
"You didn't say, but you thought," he replies. "And yes, baby," he whispers again.
Goodness gracious!
"Oh, so you can read my thoughts now?" I chuckle. "And baby sounds sexy, Mr. Darcy," I say.
"I always do. And I do love sex, Ms. Jones," he tells me flatly, and I stifle a laugh. "Please, relax your body, huh? Your friend doesn't mind at all."
Relax? Ha! All I want is to get cozy with you, Mr. Darcy.
I try turning around to face him, but the touch of his hands drives my resolution away. I still and follow his advice, enjoying the feeling of his strong fingers deep into my skin as he nibbles my shoulders.
"Liam," I moan his name.
"Yes, Kira," he murmurs, his voice hoarse and sexy, and I comprehend that I have nothing to say. "You're so beautiful," he breathes against my neck, and I suck in a deep breath. "I wish I could have you just for myself right now."
Damn, me too!
With that I manage to smile stupidly. I'm so glad that my friend looks busy enough that she doesn't even notice us. Liam finishes his job, and I feel great after the little treat from the King of my heart.
"Can you swim?" I ask.
"Yes, I can." Liam plucks a bottle of water from the cooler.
"So . . . does it mean you're . . . coming?" My eyes are hopeful.
"No, I'd rather sit here and watch you," he murmurs, smiling while uncapping the bottle.
"My pleasure." I wink, and he bites his lip . . . lustfully?
"But perhaps next time I'd love to swim with you." He winks, too.
Oh boy!
"Next time?"
"Yes. Just the two of us without an audience."
I chuckle with utter joy. "I'd love that, sire."
"Okay, go and have fun," he instructs like a wise old man. "And you look so sexy in that attire."
Oh my! I grin awesomely.
"Thank you, Liam," I reply, and he looks amused at the sound of his name from my mouth. With Liam's reassuring words my body confidence is back intact, and I immediately run to join the others, leaving him stalking my behind.
Naughty boy.